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Jill Lander

Chinese astrology is based upon a combination of yin and yang; the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood; and the 12 animals of the zodiac. A lunisolar calendar is followed, dictated by the rhythms of the solar system.
Fire Rat month: December 6-January 5, 2025
Elements of the month: yang fire and water
The 11th and penultimate month of the Chinese calendar is represented by the Fire Rat, bing zi.
The rat relates to survival, resilience and caution.
This month is all about exercising self-control to avoid unfortunate outcomes. As the Western year comes to an end, it is time to welcome new energy and prepare to make 2025 a year of opportunities for personal growth. There will be plenty of unknowns that may cause significant changes for many; the key to success is always having a plan B.
Remember, no matter what troubles you may face, always try to help others along the way, and work together towards your respective goals. When you are doing well, remain focused and always show gratitude. When the tides are against you, hold onto your dreams and grit your teeth. Success will come.
How Rat-like are you?

In traditional Chinese culture, those born under the sign of the rat are highly playful and active, especially late at night when they become alert. Attentive and highly creative, they are usually first to show up at any event and are associated with a pioneering or entrepreneurial spirit, strategy and invention.
Born in the Rat year: Active, intelligent and quick to spot the potential of any situation, Rats always eager to get projects up and running, believing completely in what they are doing. Meticulous organisers, they always have a plan – and a backup plan, should things go awry. People born in the Chinese Year of the Rat treat others fairly and expect the same in return; they are deeply offended if their trust is abused. When dealing with a Rat personality, never corner them or push them into a situation they do not want to be in.
Born during the Rat month of December: Charming and diligent, chatty, intelligent and always eager to make friends, the rat energy draws people to them with ease. There’s something about the Rat nature which generates trust, making for long-lasting friendships
Born on a Rat day: Looking good is important – you firmly believe people only have one chance to make a first impression, so will take care never to be caught off guard looking anything less than perfect.

Born in the Rat hours (11pm-1am): These around-midnight babies perhaps naturally enjoy the nighttime. They have a disposition to follow nocturnal occupations: watchmen, academics or astronomers. The occult and anything of a spiritual nature is where Rat energy excels. To many they may appear distant and secretive, but wise and always in demand for an opinion.
Ideal career choices for Rats: Roles that help others, albeit in an oblique fashion, such as motivational speaker, personal coach, property agent, stockbroker or antiques dealer. Rats are also suited to work in the transport and shipping industries, financial institutions and hospitality. The Rat nature may also be drawn to being a scientist, medical researcher or technician, especially in anaesthesiology, nursing and systems analysis, as well as detective or investigative work.
Famous rats include King Charles, Prince Harry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lewis Hamilton, Dwayne Johnson, Scarlett Johansson, Bono, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew Lloyd Webber, William Shakespeare and Mozart.
What does December hold for your astrological sign?
These generic forecasts carry different nuances dependent upon whether this animal rules your year, month, day or hour.
√ Lucky
∞ Neutral luck
X Not so lucky
The Rat is the astrological friend to the Monkey, Dragon and Ox. Challenges occur for those born in Horse years.
√ Rat- Remain positive and motivated

It’s party time in rodent residences; but while there will be plenty of celebrations going on, make sure you don’t overdo it. Take care of your health: damp weather may lead to respiratory issues. Remain positive and motivated, as this attitude will get you through any minor troubles and attract wealth-generating opportunities. There are opportunities for career advancement and business growth. This is a great month to reboot your dreams and goals.
√ Ox – it’s all smooth sailing

It’s your luckiest month of the year, when all problems will be resolved, so relax as you enter this smooth-sailing month. You may become aware of potential investments with high yields; just be sure to do due diligence by researching carefully instead of relying on a friend’s advice. Everyone wants to spend time with you and you’ll be on all the guest lists, so party on, Oxen.
∞ Tiger – be prepared and adaptable in the workplace

You may be heading on a festive overseas trip or looking forward to family visiting from abroad. Be prepared and adaptable in the workplace when facing any difficulties, and don’t be afraid to delegate or ask for help if timelines are against you – there’s no point feeling defeated, as others will be more than happy to support you. If anxiety is affecting your sleep, try using a salt lamp or essential oils to balance your energy.
∞ Rabbit – you have a lot to celebrate

There’s champagne all round in many Rabbit households this month, as you have a lot to celebrate. That said, this is a slow-moving month and the illness star is landing in your chart, possibly leading to niggling health issues. You may also be highly sensitive to energy right now, so try to stay in a yang environment as much as possible, avoiding hospitals and dentists. As one of the most sociable zodiac signs, you love nothing more than having a home full of family and friends, but do allow others to pitch in. As you may suffer from fluctuating emotions, steer clear of naysayers – only happy and positive people are allowed in your warren this Christmas!
∞ Dragon – prioritise your schedule

You can afford to be generous this month as your bank balance should be looking good. It’s a time to focus on relaxing and strengthening bonds with loved ones; avoid dealing with mundane matters, as this can lead to inertia, affecting your luck. In this super-busy month, make sure you organise your schedule to prioritise tasks based on their urgency and importance to avoid missing something important by being easily distracted.
∞ Snake – maintain your composure and bide your time

You appear to be all set for a romantic time with someone special or an extra dose of family joy – watch out for an unexpected gift! Diligent and dedicated, you are recognised for your astuteness and professionalism at work. You are highly valued and respected, so you may look forward for an end-of-year bonus that exceeds your expectations. If you come into contact with those less enthusiastic about the festive season or envious of your good fortune, avoid making a big deal, as doing so will only affect your good luck. Maintain your composure and bide your time.
X Horse – take care of your health

Headaches and tightness of chest may develop this month, especially if you have already been unwell recently. Stick to social boundaries when it comes to office parties, as you may attract the wrong type of attention, causing problems and misunderstandings. If you can maintain a healthy emotional balance, there are signs your finances could enjoy a positive boost, meaning it’s a good time to seek out new opportunities to grow financially. There may also be windfalls and improvements in cash flow.
∞ Sheep – be careful of potential injuries

You appear to be in a good place thanks to your compassion and empathy for others. Harmony fills the home of many Sheep, so be willing to maintain a wonderful festive atmosphere by taking the initiative to help out with chores. Just one word of warning: be careful of potential injuries, especially using a ladder when putting up the Christmas decorations or when using stairs and escalators, as you are prone to falls. Once you have cleared your inbox for the year, do make sure you relax and avoid thinking about work for 2024.
√√ Monkey – enjoy good wealth luck

You appear to be flavour of the month: it seems you can do no wrong, and are harnessing respect and being valued by many. Seize the chance to show your abilities and skill sets. You appear to enjoy good luck when it comes to wealth, and if you are considering investing in some financial products, you are likely to gain high returns. Having said that, do aim to control your expenses and avoid buying anything unnecessary, instead adding a little to your emergency fund.
√ Rooster – you may attract some extra attention

If you are in a serious relationship, be careful at the office party or other festive gatherings – you are very noticeable, and this could attract some extra attention, which may not sit well with a loved one. It’s a great month to travel, and you may meet new, like-minded friends. If you are off to sit by the pool, however, take extra care in and around water, as you are prone to water-related injuries. Overall, things are looking bright for the Rooster. You will receive positive support, which significantly enhances your work and personal prospects, so don’t let this lucky period go to waste. If you have big decisions to make, you will benefit from the advice of someone knowledgeable on the matter.
∞ Dog – show gratitude to loved ones

A busy workload indicates you may be under pressure to create a work-life balance, resulting in some misunderstandings about your plans. As the festive season approaches, show gratitude to loved ones who are trying their best to be understanding about your situation. Prepare some unexpected gifts for them. Amid erratic weather, you may be prone to fevers and coughs. Be extra careful on roads, whether driving or as a pedestrian, as it’s easy to become distracted.
√ Pig – It’s time to reward yourself

Your luck is flourishing, and smooth sailing in the workplace indicates a satisfactory end to 2024. It’s time to reward yourself. Consider taking an overseas holiday to relax and strengthen bonds with loved ones. If you do feel any discomfort or negative health symptoms, seek medical attention: the only downside to your December forecast is one negative star landing in your chart, which could be destabilising if conditions are ripe for any mild illness, especially stomach-related ones.


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Horoscopes

Chinese horoscopes: how’s your luck in December 2024, Fire Rat month? Predictions for health, wealth, love, work – and Christmas

The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Those born in the Year of the Rat are highly creative. Photo: Shutterstock

Rats are active, intelligent and quick to spot the potential of any situation. Photo: Shutterstock

Rat years include 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984 and 1996. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Ox years include 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 and 1997. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Tiger years include 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986 and 1998. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Rabbit years include 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Dragon years include 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Snake years include 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Horse years include 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990 and 2002. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Sheep years include 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Monkey years include 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Rooster years include 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993 and 2005. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Dog years include 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Pig years include 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983 and 1995. Photo: SCMP Graphics

Hong Kong’s 12 best Christmas feasts, from Italian at the Grand Hyatt’s Grissini and Chinese at Tin Lung Heen, to traditional turkey at Jimmy’s Kitchen and Magistracy Dining Room

Festive menus have arrived at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

One of the elevated dishes at Above & Beyond at Hotel Icon. Photo: Handout

The festive menu at Cafe Circles at Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West. Photo: Handout

Christmas lunch at Feather & Bone. Photo: Handout

The Grand Hyatt’s festive feast in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

Enjoy a festive buffet spread at the Regent Hong Kong’s Harbourside. Photo: Handout

There are plenty of southeast Asian treats to enjoy at the festive spread at I-O-N Wong Chuk Hang. Photo: Handout

Turkey is part of the lavish spreads at Jimmy’s Kitchen. Photo: Handout

Materials used by Joyce Wang Design for The Magistracy have a stately presence: burred woods, marble, leather in a burgundy tone, and brass table lamps. Photo: Handout

Guests at The Cafe can enjoy a tomahawk steak this Christmas. Photo: Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers

A selection of Christmas dishes on offer at The Steak House. Photo: Regent Hong Kong

Enjoy two-Michelin-starred Cantonese fare for Christmas at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong’s Tin Lung Heen. Photo: Handout

Enjoy Brazilian-Japanese dishes for Christmas at Uma Nota. Photo: Handout

Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2024-25 Hangzhou show: a journey from Paris’ Rue Cambon to West Lake, celebrating Coco Chanel’s passion for Chinese culture – with a Wim Wenders video starring Tilda Swinton

Liu Wen opened Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2024-25 Hangzhou show – a celebration of Coco Chanel’s passion for Chinese culture, with a Wim Wenders video starring Tilda Swinton. Photo: AP

The Chanel Métiers d’Art 2024-25 show took place on the shores of West Lake in Hangzhou, China. Photo: AP

The predominantly monochrome collection was interspersed with a series of pastel looks in shades such as jade green and pink. Photo: AP

British actress Tilda Swinton poses for photos ahead of the Chanel Métiers d’Art 2024-25 show in Hangzhou, China. Photo: AP

A model wears an outfit with patterns inspired by Chinese Coromandel screens at the Chanel Métiers d’Art 2024-25 show in Hangzhou, China. Photo: AP

Meet Adam Lambert’s boyfriend Oliver Gliese: all you need to know about the fashion industry insider who worked for Ganni and is the inspiration behind the American Idol star’s new EP, Afters

Adam Lambert and Oliver Gliese went public with their relationship in early 2021. Photo: @olivergliese/Instagram

Adam Lambert (left) and Oliver Gliese officially began their relationship in 2021. Photo: @olivergliese/Instagram

Adam Lambert – in an “amazing relationship” with Oliver Gliese. Photo: @olivergliese/Instagram

Oliver Gliese works for a non-profit organisation promoting sustainability in fashion. Photo: @olivergliese/Instagram

Dane Oliver Gliese is multilingual. Photo: @olivergliese/Instagram

Oliver Gliese is an experienced fashion industry player. Photo: @olivergliese/Instagram

Oliver Gliese made his professional mark at Ganni. Photo: @olivergliese/Instagram

How Adam Lambert and Oliver Gliese met is uncertain. Photo: @olivergliese/Instagram

Adam Lambert’s boyfriend Oliver Gliese was the target of homophobic comments. Photo: @olivergliese/Instagram

Adam Lambert defends boyfriend Oliver Gliese in an Instagram post. Photo: @adamlambert/Instagram

Oliver Gliese in Gucci – making his followers green with envy? Photo: @olivergliese/Instagram

Who is Dawn Olivieri? The Yellowstone actress played ruthless lawyer Sarah Atwood – the latest character to be killed off after Kevin Costner’s John Dutton in Paramount’s neo-Western show

Dawn Olivieri, who played Sarah Atwood in Yellowstone. Photo: Getty Images

Kevin Costner played the lead role in Yellowstone. Photo: AP

Dawn Olivieri played the villainous Sarah Atwood in Yellowstone. Photo: Getty Images

Dawn Olivieri had recurring roles in Heroes and House of Lies. Photo: Getty Images

Dawn Olivieri also appeared in 1883, the Yellowstone spin-off. Photo: Getty Images

Dawn Olivieri is a big fan of the great outdoors. Photo: @dawnolivieri/Instagram

Dawn Olivieri declared that she wanted animals, space and forest. Photo: @dawnolivieri/Instagram

Dawn Olivieri works to stop horses being slaughtered. Photo: @dawnolivieri/Instagram

Dawn Olivieri won’t always play villains such as Sarah Atwood. Photo: @dawnolivieri/Instagram

Meet Fred Hechinger: the ‘unhinged emperor’ in Gladiator II – also starring Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal – broke out in The White Lotus and is one of Hollywood’s hottest young actors

Meet Fred Hechinger, who stars in Gladiator II with Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal, and bloomed in The White Lotus. Photo: AP

Fred Hechinger at the Los Angeles premiere of Gladiator II this month. Photo: AFP

Fred Hechinger, Emperor Caracalla in Gladiator II, arrives for the film’s Los Angeles premiere. Photo: AP

(From left) Mara Webster moderates a Q&A with Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen and Fred Hechinger following a screening of Gladiator II in New York this month. Photo: Getty Images

(From left) Fred Hechinger with Gladiator II collaborators Connie Nielsen and Paul Mescal at the film’s premiere in New York this month. Photo: AP

(From left) Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen, Ridley Scott, Paul Mescal, Fred Hechinger and Pedro Pascal at this month’s London premiere of Gladiator II. Photo: AP

Fred Hechinger attends the recent Governors Awards in Hollywood. Photo: Getty Images

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If you’re a Rat like Dwayne Johnson or William Shakespeare, this is a great month both for parties and setting new goals – but what about the other 11 Chinese astrological signs?


Chinese horoscopes: how’s your luck in December 2024, Fire Rat month? Predictions for health, wealth, love, work – and Christmas

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Fire Rat month: December 6-January 5, 2025

Fire Rat month: December 6-January 5, 2025